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Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is used as a promising flame retardant and smoke suppressant nano additive in polymer composites due to its high thermal stability and layered structure. In this study, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was melt-blended with MoS2 (1wt. %) and a halogen-free intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system. The IFR system consisted of ammonium polyphosphate (APP), Melamine polyphosphate (MPP), and pentaerythritol (PER), with a total amount of 25 wt. %. The TPU/IFR/MoS2 composite exhibited outstanding flame-retardant properties, achieving a UL-94 V-0 rating and a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 34%. Reaction-to-fire performance of the TPU/IFR/MoS2 composite was evaluated by cone calorimeter test (CCT). The CCT results indicated high flame-retardant efficiency and considerable smoke suppression performance, along with a significant decrease in the peak heat release rate (PHRR: 65.9%), peak smoke production rate (PSPR: 65.6%), and peak CO production (PCOP: 60.7%) compared to the neat TPU. The significant improvement in fire performance of TPU composite was mainly attributed to the effects of the physical barrier of MoS2 and catalytic carbonization of the IFR system. These resulted in forming an intumescent compact carbonized layer during the combustion, effectively restricting dripping. The continuous structure of the residual char was revealed by FESEM. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated improved thermal behavior of the TPU composite in high temperatures. This work provides an effective method to improve the reaction to fire of TPU composites by incorporating traditional IFRs and MoS2, resulting in enhanced fire safety.

 
 

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CuS nanoparticles (NPs) with dimensions in the nanometer range were synthesized using a wet chemical approach. The comprehensive characterization of these NPs involved an analysis of their structure, composition, and optical properties, primarily conducted through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The XRD pattern conclusively confirmed the presence of the hexagonal phase in the CuS particles, a result corroborated by the accompanying Raman spectrum. The investigation further determined an estimated bandgap energy of 2.05 eV for the slightly sulfur-rich CuS NPs. Notably, this energy value exceeds that of bulk CuS (1.85 eV), indicating a noticeable miniaturization effect. The novel CuS NPs exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methyl Red (MR), particularly under visible light. This impressive performance is attributed to surface-bound OH ions on the CuS nanostructures, facilitating the adsorption and acceleration of the degradation process for MR molecules under visible light irradiation. The research presented in this article highlights the significant promise and efficiency of the synthesized CuS NPs as photocatalysts. These nanoparticles are particularly responsive to stable visible light, making them highly suitable for purifying chemically contaminated wastewater. Specifically, their effectiveness in degrading stable azo dyes, exemplified by MR, underscores their potential in practical applications.
 

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The lindgrenite compounds [Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂] with various architectures and high crystallinity were prepared by a simple surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method. Then, the Cu₃Mo₂O₉ samples were prepared by calcination of the as-synthesized Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂. The resulting samples had high crystallinity, colloidal properties, high-yield, large-scale production capability with using of nontoxic and inexpensive reagents and water as an environmentally solvent. The scanning electron microscope studies showed that the as-prepared lindgrenite nanostructures were well crystallized with rod, sheet and hollow sphere morphologies. These products were content of the Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂ rods with diameters of about 100 nm, the Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂ nanosheets with thickness of 30–100 nm and the Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂ hallow spheres, consisting of a large number of nanosheets with thickness of about 40-70 nm. The Cu₃Mo₂O₉ samples that obtained by thermal treatment of lindgrenite retained the original morphologies. Meanwhile, the photoluminescence and magnetic properties of the nanosheet samples showed super paramagnetic behavior at room temperature and in comparison with previous works, Cu₃(MoO₄)₂(OH)₂ and Cu₃Mo₂O₉ samples synthesized by the surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method had a very obvious red-shifted PL emission and high intensity.
 

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The trimanganese tetraoxide (Mn₃O₄) nanostructured thin films doped with 2 mol % of nickel (Ni) and molybdenum (Mo) ions were deposited by a simple electrophoretic deposition technique. The structural, optical, and morphological studies of these doped thin films were compared with pure Mn₃O₄ thin films. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the tetragonal Hausmannite spinel structure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided information about the molecular composition of the thin films and the presence of specific chemical bonds. The optical study and band gap energy values of all thin films were evaluated by the UV visible spectroscopy technique. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated the morphological modifications of the Mn₃O₄ thin films due to doping of the nickel and molybdenum ions. The Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) method has confirmed the mesoporous nanostructure and nanopores of the thin films. The supercapacitive performance of the thin films was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) techniques using the three-electrode arrangement. An aqueous 1M Na₂SO₄ electrolyte was used for the electrochemical study. The 2 mol % Ni doped Mn₃O₄ thin film has shown maximum specific capacitance than pure and Mo doped Mn₃O₄ thin films. Hence, this study proved the validity of the strategy - metal ion doping of Mn₃O₄ thin films to develop it as a potential candidate for electrode material in the futuristic energy storage and transportation devices.

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In this research work, Cadmium Sulphide thin film deposited on to glass substrate in a non-aqueous medium at 80 °C. The various physical preparative parameters and the deposition conditions, such as the deposition time and temperature, concentrations of the chemical species, pH, speed of mechanical stirring, etc., were optimized to yield good quality films. The as-prepared sample is tightly adherent to the substrate's support, less smooth, diffusely reflecting and was analyzed for composition. The synthesized film is characterized using X- ray diffraction (XRD), electrical and optical properties. It appears that the composites are rich in Cd. The grown CdS thin film had an orange-red color. A band gap of CdS thin film is 2.41 eV.  The average crystallite size of the CdS film was 21.50 nm. The resistivity of the CdS thin film is about 5.212 x 10⁵ W cm.
 

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Iron oxide nanoparticles has attracted extensively due to their supermagnetic properties, preferred in biomedicine because of their biocompatibility and potential nontoxicity to human beings. Synthesis of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) was prepared with the help of ferric chloride and ferrous sulphate by using the coprecipitation method. The variation and combination of ferric and ferrous concentrations affect the physical and magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles.  The effect of 0.1 M ferric and ferrous concentration on iron oxide nanoparticles studied separately and in combination. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by Particle size, zeta potential, Ultraviolet (UV-visible), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. Particle size was below 200nm and zeta potential was within the limit for all the batches. UV visible spectra at 224 nm, and FTIR exhibit two peaks at 510 and 594 cm-1, indicating iron oxide NPs and XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of Fe. SEM showed a spherical shape for all batches. The use of a combination of ferric and ferrous is more effective than its individual use. TGA and VSM studies confirmed its magnetic properties.
 

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Drug-resistance among bacteria is a concerning issue in medical field. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the promising novel nano-antibiotics. In the present study, AgNPs were synthesized using cell-free extract of Acinetobacter sp. challenged with silver nitrate. Preliminary observations done using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 420 nm. Complete reduction of silver ions to AgNPs was confirmed through cyclic voltammetry. Electron microscopy revealed formation of spherical shaped nanoparticles of size upto 20 nm. These AgNPs were furthr used to determine their effect on activity of various antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria such as Neisseria and Xanthomonas. Higher antibacterial activity of AgNPs was observed against Gram-negative bacteria. Enhanced antibacterial action of AgNPs was observed with selected beta-lactam antibiotics producing upto 3-fold increase in area of zone of inhibition. On exposure to AgNPs, the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of antibiotics were lowered by upto 2000 times indicating potential synergistic action of AgNPs. This study clearly signifies that the drug, proved to be inefficient due to bacterial resistance, could be made functional again in presence of AgNPs. This will help in development of novel antibacterial formulations containing antibiotics and nanoparticles to combat multiple drug-resistance in microorganisms.

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The Mn-Zn ferrite with a composition of Mn_0.25Mg_0.08Cu_0.25Zn_0.42Fe₂O₄ has been synthesized in this study using the chemical sol-gel technique at a pH of 7. The sample was prepared and subsequently annealed at a temperature of 700°C. The nanocrystalline ferrite samples were subjected to characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetry (TG), and Differential thermal analysis (DTA). The findings of these observations are delineated and deliberated. The sample's phase composition was verified using X-ray diffraction examination. The crystalline size was determined using Scherrer's formula and was observed to be within the range of 20-75 nm. Two notable stretching bands were seen in the FTIR spectra within the range of 400-650 cm^-1. The spinel structure of the produced nanoparticles was confirmed by these two bands. The magnetic characteristics of the powder were examined using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The presence of M-H hysteresis loops suggests that the produced nanoparticles have superparamagnetic properties, as evidenced by their low coercive force, remanent magnetization, and saturation magnetization values.
 

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We have modeled theoretical incident photon-to-current electricity (IPCE) action spectra of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-Phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester active layer bulk-heterojunction. By the two-dimensional optical model of a multilayer system based on the structure of Glass substrate / SiO₂ /ITO/ PEDOT: PSS /P3HT: PCBM(1:1)/Ca/Al, the optical responses of the device have been computed for different photoactive layer and Ca layer thicknesses to found an optimal structure which allows obtaining the maximum absorption localized in the active layer and high device performance. The electric field intensity, energy dissipation, generation rate, and IPCE have been computed to enhance the device's performance. The finite element method executes the simulation under an incident intensity of 100 mW/cm² of the 1.5 AM illumination. It was found that the optimum structure is achieved by a 180 nm photoactive layer and 5 nm Ca layer thicknesses.

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Researchers are increasingly focusing on green synthesis methods for silver nanoparticles due to their cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental impact. In this study, we utilized an edible bird's nest (EBN), a valuable economic resource, as the primary material for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using only water as the solvent. Metabolite profiling of the EBN extract was conducted using LC-QTOF-MS in positive mode (ESI+), revealing the presence of lipids, glycosides, peptides, polysaccharides, and disaccharides. Upon the addition of silver nitrate to the aqueous EBN extract, noticeable color changes from transparent to brown indicated the successful formation of AgNPs. Subsequent characterization of these silver nanoparticles involved UV-Visible spectroscopy, which revealed an absorption peak at 421 nm. Further characterization was carried out using FESEM, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and EDX analysis. The involvement of phenolic agents, proteins, and amino acids in reducing the silver particles was confirmed. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited a spherical shape, and a particle size ranging from 10 to 20 nm. The presence of elemental silver was confirmed by a strong, intense peak around 3 keV in the EDX spectrum. To assess their potential, the antibacterial properties of the silver nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated using the agar diffusion method.
 

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Acrylic resins are one of the most important thermoplastic resins used in various industries due to their significant properties. However, they are inherently brittle and addition plasticizers to them is very common. In this study, role of both Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Triacetin on the mechanical properties of acrylic resin have been investigated. To do so tensile test, bending and wear tests have been performed. To achieve the optimal mixture of plasticizers, a tensile test has been carried out, and the best percentage of the mixture has been determined. Subsequently, bending and wear tests were conducted, which showed a significant increase in the bending strength of the acrylic resin after the addition of plasticizers. Furthermore, it was found that the abrasion mechanism of the resin was significantly altered compared to its pure state.
 

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Rice husk carbon by-product from the industrial combustion is a promising source to produce a vast amount of activated carbon adsorbent. This research prepared rice husk-activated carbon adsorbent by varying the concentration of potassium hydroxide solution (5, 10, 15, 20 % w/v) and activation time (2, 4, 6, 8 hours). Fourier-transform infrared spectral characterization (FTIR) indicated a significant effect before and after activation, especially the presence of hydroxyl groups. Based on the iodine adsorption, the specific surface area of the produced-activated carbon was approximately 615 m²/g. Experimental results showed that increasing potassium hydroxide concentration and activation time increases the water vapor adsorption capacity of the activated carbon. Compared with the rice husk carbon, the KOH-activated carbon enhanced the water vapor adsorption capacity to 931%. In the adsorption observation, changing the temperature from 15 to 27 ℃ caused a higher water vapor uptake onto the activated carbon. Two adsorption kinetics (pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order models) were used to evaluate the adsorption mechanism. This research found that rice husk-activated carbon performed a higher water vapor adsorption capacity than other adsorbents (silica gel, zeolite, and commercially activated carbon).

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Biogenic synthesis of papain-conjugated copper metallic Nanoparticles and their antibacterial and antifungal activities Papain metallic conjugated nanoparticles (Papain-CuNPs) were synthesised using Papain and CuSO4.5H₂O. Papain-CuNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FT-IR, HR-TEM, XRD, FE-SEM, zeta potential, and a zeta sizer. The antibacterial activity of papain-CuNPs against human infectious microorganisms (Citrobacter spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans) was investigated. The mechanism of action of papain-CuNPs was evaluated using FE-SEM and HRTM. UV spectroscopy confirmed the plasma resonance (SPR) at 679 nm, which indicated the formation of papain-CuNPs. The FT-IR spectrum absorbance peaks at 3927, 3865, 3842, 3363, 2978, and 2900 cm^-1 indicate the presence of O-H and N-H of the secondary amine, and peaks at 1643 and 1572 cm^-1 represent C=O functional groups in Papain-CuNPs. EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of copper in the papain-CuNPs. The zeta potential (-42.6 mV) and zeta size (99.66 d. nm) confirmed the stability and size of the nanoparticles. XRD confirmed the crystalline nature of the papain-CuNPs. FE-SEM and HRTM showed an oval structure, and the nano particles' 16.71244–34.84793 nm. The synthesized papain-NPs showed significant antibacterial activity against clinical P. aeruginosa (15 mm). MIC 125 µg/ml) showed bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa and the mechanism of action of Papain-NPs was confirmed using an electron microscope by observing cell damage and cell shrinking. Papain-CuNPs have significant antibacterial activity and are thus used in the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections

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High entropy intermetallic compounds (HEICs) are an interesting class of materials combining the properties of multicomponent solid solutions and the ordered superlattices in a single material. In this work, microstructural and magnetic properties of (CoCuFeMnNi)Al, (CoCuFeMnNi)Zn₃, (FeCoMnNiCr)₃Sn₂, (FeCoNiMn)₃Sn₂ and Cu₃(InSnSbGaGe) HEICs fabricated by induction melting are studied. The magnetic properties of the HEICs was determined mainly by the nature of the magnetic momentum of the constituent elements. (CoCuFeMnNi)Al and (CoCuFeMnNi)Zn₃ displayed ferromagnetic behavior at 5 K, while indicated linear dependency of magnetization vs. magnetic (i.e. paramagnetic or antiferromagnetic state) at 300 K. The magnetization of (FeCoMnNiCr)₃Sn₂, (FeCoNiMn)₃Sn₂ and Cu₃(InSnSbGaGe) HEICs at 300 K exhibited a nearly linear dependency to magnetic field. Among all the investigated samples, (CoCuFeMnNi)Al exhibited the best magnetic properties with a saturation magnetization of about Ms = 6.5 emu/g and a coercivity of about H_c = 100 Oe.

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The composite solid polymer electrolyte films were prepared by doping nano-sized Fe₂O₃ particles on PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) complexed with NaNO₃ salt by solution casting technique. FTIR, XRD, and SEM methods characterized these electrolyte films. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction methods reveal the structural and complexation changes occurring in the electrolytes. The surface morphology of the electrolyte film was examined using the SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) technique. The PVB+NaNO₃+Fe₂O₃(70:30:3%) electrolyte shows a moderate ionic conductivity of 2.51×10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ at ambient temperature (303 K). AC impedance spectroscopic analysis evaluates the ionic conductivity of the produced polymer electrolyte. Wagner's polarisation technique was applied to study the charge transport characteristics in the electrolyte films. The investigation revealed that ions constituted the majority of the transport carriers. An Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) of 2.0V and a Short Circuit Current (SCC) of 0.8 mA were found in the discharge characteristics data for the cell constructed with the polymer electrolyte sample.

 

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Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) with a continuous and mesoporous silica (m-SiO₂) shell were synthesized using a one-step method, sourcing silica from rice husk ash (RHA). The rice husk was thermally treated to obtain ash, from which silica was extracted as sodium silicate and precipitated by pH reduction. This silica powder, combined with iron chloride salts, facilitated the synthesis of the core-shell NPs. Mint extract acted as a capping agent to prevent agglomeration, and CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) was used to create the porous SiO₂ shell. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization investigated the structure, size, and shell formation. Coating integrity and suspension stability were assessed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). DLS analysis showed a relatively narrow particle size distribution with an average hydrodynamic size of 72.6 nm. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) provided insights into the meso- and nanoscale structure, while BET and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms confirmed the mesoporous nature of the silica shell. Magnetization measurements showed superparamagnetic behavior, with specific magnetization values of 57.9 emu/g for Fe₃O₄ and 27.5 emu/g for Fe₃O₄@m-SiO₂. These results confirm the successful synthesis of superparamagnetic magnetite NPs with a mesoporous silica coating from RHA.
 

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Dual nanocomposites based on metal sulfide nanomaterials with a narrow band gap are favorable candidates for future optoelectronic applications and ionizing ray sensors. In this study, novel silver-doped zinc sulfide/ cadmium sulfide (ZnS/CdS: Ag) nanocomposites were synthesized using the cost-effective solvothermal approach. For the first time, the radiation sensitivity of the newly developed nanocomposite was assessed using a ²⁴¹Am alpha source and ion beam-induced luminescence (IBIL) measurements. The ZnS/CdS: Ag nanocomposite demonstrated significant light emission in the blue-green spectrum when measured at room temperature. When exposed to alpha irradiation, the ZnS/CdS: Ag nanocomposite film displayed exceptional sensitivity compared to pure ZnS or CdS films. The FESEM images revealed a uniform distribution of semi-spherical and rod-shaped nanoparticles, with an average particle size measuring 180 nm. The results from XRD and EDX demonstrated distinct peaks corresponding to ZnS, CdS, and associated elements within the nanocomposite. The existence of several groups within the nanocomposite was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Evaluations revealed that the optical quality of the ZnS/CdS: Ag nanocomposite showed enhancement in comparison to pure ZnS and CdS. The results suggest that the ZnS/CdS: Ag nanocomposite film holds great promise for applications in optoelectronic devices and detection technologies.
 

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Organosilicon compounds represent a fascinating class of molecules with diverse structures, unique bonding characteristics, and wide-ranging applications across various fields. The structural diversity of organosilicon compounds arises from the versatility of silicon, which can form a variety of chemical bonds, including single, double, and triple bonds with carbon, as well as bonds with other heteroatoms such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. This diversity enables the synthesis of an extensive range of organosilicon molecules, including silanes, siloxanes, silanols, silazanes, and silsesquioxanes, among others. The unique properties of these compounds, such as thermal stability, chemical inertness, and flexibility, make them valuable building blocks for the design of advanced materials.Organosilicon compounds find applications in diverse fields, including materials science, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agriculture. In materials science, they are used as coatings, adhesives, sealants, and modifiers to impart desirable properties such as water repellency, thermal resistance, and biocompatibility. In the pharmaceutical industry, organosilicon compounds serve as drug delivery agents, imaging agents, and synthetic intermediates due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties. In electronics, they are employed as dielectric materials, insulators, and encapsulants in semiconductor devices. Current review aims to unlock new opportunities for the development of innovative materials and technologies with enhanced performance and functionality.
 

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This study investigates the effect of SnO₂ as an additive on the structural, electrical, optical, and gas sensing properties of LaCrO₃ nanoparticles.  SnO₂ is added into the LaCrO₃ by weight percentage (1 wt. %, 3 wt. %, 5 wt. %, 7 wt. %, 9 wt. % and 11 wt. %) employing screen printing method. Initially, the nanoparticles of SnO₂ and LaCrO₃ separately synthesis by sol-gel method and then used for the development of thick films. LaCrO₃ is used as host material while SnO₂ is additive material. The structural characterizations like FESEM, EDX and XRD were carried out to investigate the morphology, elements and crystallite size respectively. The inclusion of SnO₂ modifies the crystalline structure and surface morphology of LaCrO_3, as revealed by structural analyses. The optical characterizations like FTIR and UV were used for the study of impact of SnO₂ additive on functional group and band gap of the host material respectively. Optical studies indicate a modification in the bandgap, affecting light absorption properties and indicating changes in electronic transitions. The electrical characterizations were conducted by using half bridge method. Electrical resistivity measurements show enhanced performance, likely due to variation in charge carrier mobility induced by the SnO₂ additive. Among other selected wt. % SnO₂ additives, 9 wt. % SnO₂ added LaCrO₃ thick films shows maximum sensitivity to CH₄ gas at 120^oC operating temperature. The gas sensing characteristics demonstrate enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and response time to target gases, suggesting that SnO₂ doping improves the sensing capabilities of LaCrO₃ nanoparticles, making them more efficient as a gas sensor. Obtained findings suggest that, SnO₂ as an additive enhances the multifunctional properties of LaCrO₃ nanoparticles, making them promising candidates for advanced gas sensing applications.
 

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The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of current density on the microstructure of electrodeposited Ni–WC–TiC composite coatings on 304 stainless steel and compare the corrosion resistance of the coating and substrate in a 3.5 wt.% sodium chloride solution. A Watts nickel bath was employed under direct current (DC) conditions. Microstructure, elemental composition, and phase composition analyses were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The results revealed that the coating formed at a current density of 40 mA/cm² exhibited a denser microstructure with higher cohesion and uniformity compared to coatings produced at other current densities. The corrosion resistance of the coating and substrate was evaluated using Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses. The corrosion test results indicated that the substrate exhibited superior corrosion resistance compared to the coating. Based on the dynamic polarization test plots, the corrosion mechanism of the substrate is active-quasi passive, with a pseudo-passive layer forming on the sample which remains stable within the potential range of -0.17 to 0.17 V. Beyond this potential range, the sample becomes susceptible to pitting. In the coated sample, the corrosion behavior is similar to that of the substrate, with the exception that the pseudo-passive layer remains stable within a narrower potential range of -0.19 to 0.08 V.